The Arizona Cardinals have been a team on the rise in recent years, but as they entered the 2025 offseason, there was one glaring weakness that needed to be addressed. Despite doubling their win total from four to eight between 2023 and 2024, the franchise knew that in order to continue their upward trajectory, they needed to solve their defensive line problems. And that’s exactly what they did.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort didn’t just patch the issue, he orchestrated a masterful plan to completely revamp the Cardinals’ defensive line. And with the moves he made, a former NFL player has made a bold prediction about the team’s future in 2025.
But before we dive into that prediction, let’s take a look at the state of the Cardinals’ defensive line before Ossenfort’s offseason moves. In 2024, the Cardinals’ defense ranked 25th in the league in total yards allowed per game. While their pass defense was solid, ranking 11th in the league, their run defense was a major weakness, ranking 30th in the league. And it all started with the defensive line.
The Cardinals’ defensive line lacked depth and playmakers, and it showed on the field. They struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and were often pushed around in the run game. It was clear that a change needed to be made in order for the team to take the next step.
And that’s where Ossenfort stepped in. He wasted no time in addressing the issue, making a series of moves that have completely transformed the Cardinals’ defensive line. First, he signed veteran defensive end J.J. Watt, who was coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Houston Texans. Watt brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, along with his impressive on-field production.
But Ossenfort didn’t stop there. He also traded for defensive end Chandler Jones, who had been a dominant force for the New England Patriots. Jones adds another dynamic pass rusher to the Cardinals’ defensive line, and his presence will only make Watt even more effective.
And to round out the new-look defensive line, Ossenfort drafted defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Brown was widely considered the best defensive tackle in the draft and is expected to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals.
With these three additions, the Cardinals’ defensive line is now one of the most formidable in the league. Watt and Jones will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, while Brown will clog up the middle and make it difficult for teams to run the ball.
And it’s not just the players that have people excited about the Cardinals’ future. Ossenfort also hired a new defensive line coach, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, Vince Wilfork. Wilfork brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, and his presence will only help the Cardinals’ defensive line reach its full potential.
Now, back to that bold prediction from a former NFL player. In a recent interview, former Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Ware stated that he believes the Cardinals’ defense will be the best in the league in 2025. And with the additions made by Ossenfort, it’s not hard to see why Ware would make such a prediction.
But it’s not just the defense that has people excited about the Cardinals’ future. The team also has a young and talented offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray. With a strong defense to complement their offense, the Cardinals are poised to make a serious run at the playoffs in 2025 and beyond.
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 offseason with one glaring weakness, but thanks to the masterful moves made by General Manager Monti Ossenfort, that weakness has been turned into a strength. With a revamped defensive line and a talented young team, the Cardinals are ready to take the league by storm. And with a former NFL player making a bold prediction about their future, it’s clear that the Cardinals are a team on the rise.
